After the 5-day prologue stage in Tohoku area, we had start of the BJD in JAPAN main stage on 4th May which we will start moving from Sapporo (Hokkaido) to Haha (Okinawa). The distance is 2,500km.

The temperature in Sapporo on the day was 12 degrees which was of course warmer than it was in winter time, but it was raining that made us cold.

We started from Sapporo Volunteer Center and the 1st runner was Ryouichi Nakai (artificial leg on his left leg). We had 100km distance with 7 runners passing the sash like relay.

Like this style, we will move forward to Okinawa and will hold symposiums at some areas to present what we are doing and interact with people.

		Departing in the morning.
Ryouichi Nakai was the 1st runner. Pedaling along with a support doctor.		The 2nd runner was in wheelchair. It is usually faster on hills, so it is hard for us to catch up.
We had traffic jam at suburbs of Sapporo. The wheelchair is Hasashi Kato. I heard that he participates wheelchair marathon races on weekends.		What you see is an uniform and sash made for this campaign (with dirt because of rain).
The day's oldest participant Masakazu Inoue was 72 years old. Running with his smile.

We had the longest distance of 117km from Kamaishi city to Fudaimura. The weather was nice and the temperature went up to 26 degrees. In such a condition, a up hill (10 degrees) was very hard.

We passed many mountain passes with cherry blossoms and quiet rivers in our sight. And there was no signals where we had to stop pedaling. The spring of Tohoku is great.

The big bridge of Taro (Iwate)		Running in the mountains in Iwate.
The route 45 that goes north to south near the Sanriku shoreline.		Energetic Shinji Kazama.
Who welcomed us at Fudai train station (Iwate) were 5th-grade primary school girls who learns cheer dance. We were very glad with their kind welcoming.

Message

we are finally ready to start the 3,000km trans Japan journey. First of all, we will begin at Tohoku area where the Great East Japan Earthquake hit last year; a distance of 440km From Sendai, Kesennuma, Kamaishi, Fudaimura and Hachinohe. And we will cheer them up for recovering from the earthquake.

After Tohoku area, we will cross the sea to Tomakomai on a ferry, and start a 2,500km journey from Sapporo to Okinawa. Like me having a disability in my leg, most of our team members have it in their hands or legs. And we have orthopedic specialists all over the country who will join us along the way.

During the period of this Bone and Join Decade campaign (28th Apr. - 4th Jun.), we will promote the importance of and awareness in joints in the hands and feet, ligaments, muscles, tendons and medical treatment technique and its institutions.

The traveling course will be set in 20 prefectures on the coast of the Sea of Japan like Hokkaido, Aomori and Akita, with many interacting events like symposium. We will travel in bicycle, wheel chair, hand-cycle and etc. We kindly ask you to cheer us up.

Captain, Shinji Kazama

Under the sunny sky, we started in front of Miyagi prefectural government building with a lot of people giving us yell.		The first runner, Hajime Shoji, passing the campaign's sash to the second runner (upper and lower limb disorders). We will continue 3,000km passing all it all the way. Completed his distance in Sendai city with blooming cherry blossoms. Thank you for his smiles while running. A support Dr. was Munenori Watanuki (Tohoku Univ. Orthopedics).
Running at suburbs of Sendai city where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.		The accommodation on the 1st day was countryside of Ishinomaki. Kind women at the guest house welcomed us.

The road we pedaled to Lund was 108. Tetsu, Dr. Shoda and Saki, all of us were getting excited to finish as we saw the road sign that says "Lund 10km." Ironically, the number of the road was the same number I had with me when I aprticipated in Paris Dakar Rally 6 years ago. Unfortunatelly I had a crush with a truck and had fructures under my left knee. Stayed in hospital for 13 months. Since then, I have been trying to contribute for the improvement of the medical level and systems.

In Lund before the goal, we pedaled quietly. With many thoughts came up in my mind, we finally crossed the finishing line, where many people, students in Lund university, BJD Japan Steering Committee as well as those of other countries, and Professor Lidgren who started this movement too.
I truly hope this campaign further developes in the future.

Today we had the finish after 42km. (above) 10km to Lund. The road no. 108 was what I had in Paris Dakar Rally.		BJD Japan steering Committee Dr. Matsushita (left), Dr. Yamamoto (2nd from right), and Dr. Kokubun (right). (above) Tetsu, Saki, Dr. Shoda and I, about to finish.
We took our hands when we finished. (Dr. Shoda was a little behind)		Dr. Shoda in the venue of the BJD conference. Showing smile as he syas "we made it!"
I was glad when professor Lidgren said to me "You did a good job!" (above) Tetsu had a memorial photo with Dr. Kokubun and other doctors.		From left, Kazama, professor Lidgren and Dr. Matsushita.
The group photo right after the goal.

Kazama

After the motel in Edenberga, we took a narrow road. We pedaled about 80km today and arrived in Kagerod, a small town. Fianally, we will have the grand finale tomorrow in Lund.

Saki（2nd from left）and Masa（4th from left）joined us at the station in Astorp. They are members of Trans Australia in 2009 and Trans Japan this year.		With a man cutting trees.
Pedaling on a country road.

Ike

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We went further south and arrived in Edenberga after pedaling about 70km. We had strong winds from South, which was against us all the way. Wind milles spinning faster.
We have about 2 days and 110km left until we get to Lund.

With tourists from Denmark in a small town, Laholm. They first came to see PAS（our electro-hybrid bicycle）before they actually rode the bike. "I feel as if somebody is pushing my back"		Pedaling in strong winds.
In a relaxing atomosphere.

Ike

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We left Gotheborg, pedaled about 120km and arrived in Skrea, a small town. We entered into the area where stronger wind from south blows. We came to often see windmilles.

Pedaling through the city of Gotheborg.		Children in a school.
A road for bicycle and pedestrian.

Ike

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The temperature in the morning was 6 degrees. As seen in European countries, shops are closed on Sunday. Today Dr. Shodajoined us and pedaled. He will keep pedaling in the team to the finish, Lund.

Under the clear sky, we were headed for Gotheborg.		Dr. Shoda（Hyogo Prefectural Nishinomiya Hospital）started pedaling today.
Local children on a bicycle road.

Ike

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We were headed for 100 km south of Tunamshede. The temperature of the daytime was 17 degrees. We arrived in a town 50 km north of Gotheborg, the 2nd largest city in Sweden.

Clear sky.		The stenungsund station.
In the morning, a view from our hotel.

Ike

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60km south of Moss, we crossed the border of Norway and Sweden on a bridge, without passport check and etc. Finally, we started pedaling in the last country in this campaign. We arrived Tunamshede.

The border of Norway and Sweden.		We have no more than 1 week until Lund.
The orange color flags makes better visibility from drivers.

Ike

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We saw many roads for bicycles even in a big city like Oslo. Cyclists with helmets, without helmets. We arrived in Moss.

Tetsu.		The station in Moss.

Ike

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We were headed for Oslo, the capital of Norway. We pedaled by a river for a long time and finally arrived in the city. We encountered a lot of runabouts. As the city is located by the ocean, there are lots of harbors with many yatches.

A rest with a beatiful scenary.		Entering into Oslo.
A cycling road.

Ike

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We left this morning Ustaoset where in winter time it is crowded with skier. There is about 260km left until we reach Oslo. Today we arrived in Nuresund, a quiet town in the middle of mountain.

Dr. Matsushita and elderlies in front of a supermarket.		Pedaling by a lake.
Widing road continues.

Ike

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After leaving Kinsarvik, we climbed as we were headed for Oslo. The highest elevation on the road today is 1,250m. We saw a glacier which was 10km north of where we were pedaling. Even at an accomodation at Ustaoset, we can see a glacier.

Pedaling on route 7, with a glacier on their left.		By the water.
Pedaling on a highland, Tetsu.		Getting out of a dark and narrow tunnel.

Ike

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We started Lund under the fine weather. The roads were narrower than those of U.S.A. and Canada, and there are many tunnels, but we had roads for bikes and roads that avoid tunnels. We pedaled surrounded by mountains, waters and houses on the mountains.

At the port of Bergen. From left; Ike, Dr. Matsushita, Kazama, Tetsu, Jean Paul.		Pedaling in Bergen.
Workers from Uruguay at the port.

Ike

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We prepared for the next day departure. Bergen is beautiful. We also rested a half a day. And the the general director of this campaign, Dr. Matsushita, joined us in Bergen. A lot of members, highly motivated.

Ike

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The members arrived in Bergen, located in west coast of Norway. Kazama, Tetsu, Ike and Toshi (photographer) who was with us in a part of South America. And also Jean Paul from France (driver) came to Bergen with our support car. This is the city where we start crossing to Lund. It was at night when we arrived, and the day was spent for transportation.

Ike

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We flew from Deerlake, Canada, to Norway. This is the end of campaigns in the Americas that lasted 3 months.

Ike

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We also pedaled in New Foundland with beautiful forest and rivers and mountains.We arrived in Deerlake.

With the mountains.		Small lakes are dotted everywehre.
The stream of the river is also wonderful.

Ike

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In early morning we departed Natashquan on a boat and were headed for New Foundland. We stayed in a small village after about 250km. And on 24th we arrived in Blanc Sablon. We cross the strait from there.

A small village where we visited for fueling.		Bicycles tightened to the boat.
GPS and map is neccessary on the sea.		In the sunset, we are getting to the destination.

Ike

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We were headed for Natashquan where we will start boating to New Foundland. The road that stretched from South ends here at Natashquan. We put our bicycles on the boat and prepared for the departure.

We pulled a boat from Baie-comeau.		We had cooperations from friends of Thierry's who live near Baie-comeau.

Ike

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We arrived in Baie-comeau where Paracycle World Championship was being held. With the support of the organizer, we were welcomed by the audiences and media.

Answering to the local media.		Arriving in Baie-comeau.
The race.		Being welcomed by a lot of people at the start/finish line right after the race.

Ike

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We have only 2 days left for pedaling in North America. After the campground located nearby gulf of Saint Lawrence, we pedaled on route 138 that stretches in the middle of ---- trees, and were headed for Pointe-Lebel. Temperature is low as you need a thin sweater even during daytime.

Asking how to go, to get to the days's campground at a shop in gas staion.		Almost arriving in Poine-Lebel, the day's destination.

Ike

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After the campground in Tadoussac, again we took route 138 for Baie-comeau. We had lots of ups and downs today too, with many small lakes in our sight. The day's desitination is Portneul-sur-mer.

There were many ups and downs.		Route 138 is the road we take to Baie-comeau.

Ike

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After the campgruond in Saint Simeon, we took route 138 again for north. We had a ferry to cross the river, to get to a small town, Tadoussac, where we stayed.

A Japanese (lives in Toronto) we met before the ferry terminal to Tadoussac.		There were a lot of ups and downs today.

Ike

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We got on board a ferry from Riviere-du-Loup and crossed the river. Where we arrived is Saint-Simeon.

Weather turned out to be nicer than yesterday.		Almost getting to the ferry termnal.

Ike

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After leaving Quebec City, we were headed for Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, a town along the St. Lawrence river. On the way we had rain falls twice but arrived with no troubles.

At a rest area, we met another cyclist, Mark, from British Columbia. He was on the way to Helifax, which is about 7000km away from BC.		Kazama and Tetsu, pedaling along the St. Lawrence river.
Seeing Mark again after a few hours on the route 132.		Acompanying his is Megan. We met her at the rest area when we were about to leave
The rainfall we had just 2km before our campground.

Ike

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This is a day off after at Montreal. We pedaled in Quebec City.

Pedaling in the Old Quebec.		Looking east, St. Lawrence river from the Old Quebec.

Ike

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We arrived in Quebec campground. It is located South of the river.

On the bicycle road.		At a rest area, with another cyclinst.
At a gas station. With Majesty used for shooting and etc.

Ike

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After Montreal, we see many sign boards wrriten in only French and hear French words.

Going North for Quebec City.		At a town, Victoriaville located in South of the liver. Temperature is 25 even after noon.
Children playing at the campground.		A boy who was playing with bicycle.

Ike

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We left Montreal where we stayed 2 days, and arrived in Saint-Eugene.

Pedaling about 100km almost everyday is tiring.		This is the 21st day since we started from Indianaplis.

Ike

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We visited a hospital in Montreal, Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de montreal, and had a chance to talk to Dr. Denis. The hospital send about 100 medical staff to Formula 1 Montreal GP every year and if pilots have accidents, they are carried to the hospital.

Dr. Denis, speaking us at the emergency room.		At his office on the 6th floor.

Kazama

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Today is a rest day, no pedaling. Under the present sunshine, we did our loundry, and work as well.

Ike

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After traversing Grande Island, we arrived in a campground located in south of Montreal.

As soon as arriving in campground, Tetsu starts sit-ups.		Kazama, pedaling in a city, Beauharnois.
After Grande island, on our left is St. Lawrence River.		At an Indian reservation, Kahnawake.

Ike

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We were headed for northeast and arrived in Bainsville.

Ike

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After the campground in Kingston, we were headed for Southeast to get on the route 2. Then on our right side was St Lawrence River. The other side of the river is the state of New York. We arrived in Johnstown.

Pedaling with St Lawrence River on the right.		With a family we encountered in a park in Brookville.

Ike

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We enjoyed the campground with view of Lake Ontario and the beatiful sunshine in the morning and were headed for Kingston. We took the route south of the bay of Quinte, and arrived in a campground (KOA) without troubles.

They pedal in good shape.		They have been pedaling for 2 weeks. They are now used to bicycles and the time they spend on road is getting shorter.

Ike

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We went down to Lake Ontario and took King street that stretches beside the lake. We continued going to northeast. The day's destination is North Shore RV Campground in Quinte West.

Pedaling in Lake Ontario nearby town Colborne.		With a staff at a restaurant in a small town, Brighton, where we had lunch.
Sometimes we are on the designated lane.

Ike

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We were headed for Roseneath, a place nearby Lake Rice. Unfortunatelly we had rain in the afternoon, but the distanse reached more than 100km. Our campground for the day is beside the lake.

Relaxing scenary is what we see everyday.		The sign board of the farm stand (left) and a stream.

Ike

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After the 3-day holiday in Canada, on 3rd, we visited a hospital in Toronto, Sunnybrook Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Center. The hospital was the one that BJD Canada kindly introduced us.The center belongs to the main Sunnybrook Health Science Center (general hospital with 60 years of history).

At our visit at 8 am, Ms. Hazel Wood (executive director of BJD Canada) and the doctors welcomes us in the main entrance and had a breakfast reception. While the reception, they gave us speeches and Kazama also made it. We toured the clinic and had group photos, and also some of us promised to see each other in Lund, Sweden, where the global conference!

The building of the Holland Orthopeadic and Arthritic Center.		From left is Dr. Wadey, Dr. Murnaghan, Tetsu and Dr. Kopansky-Giles.
We saw the poster everywhere in the hospital, that say "team Japan is coming to the hospital!"		The manual book for patients. The hospital started it recently.
Kazama being taught how to train in a rehab room.		Kazama, making a speech.

Kazama

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The second day off in Canada. Maintenancing bicycles, checking routes and getting foods.

Ike

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After Scotland, we arrived Brampton just outside of Toronto. From our campground to Toronto Pearson Airport is about 10 min. by car.

In the morning, we manage ourselves with toaster and coffee maker. We also have a rice cooker.		More exciting on ups and downs.

Ike

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In the middle of the day, when we were passing a small town, Norwich, we were interviewed by the local newspaper. We arrived Scotland.

He interviewed us in Norwich.		A family that took care of our support car.

Ike

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As we entered in Canada, it is colder in the morning and night. For pedaling it must be better. We arrived in Mossley.

Pedaling the road near Lake Erie.		Lake Erie.

Ike

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Everyday support members give Kazama and Tetsu batteries for their bicycles on the way. On road they are not together, but we are used to decide where to change the batteries. We arrived Morpeth.

The direction of wind matters to cyclists.		Checking the route on map.

Ike

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Though, we had work using our computers. We also went to supermarket and laundry as well.

Ike

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We pass Detroit and entered Windsor, Canada. We will visit hospitals in Canada too.

Ike

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Pedaling in the heat needs a lot of water. As they consume tons of water, support members get many 1-gallon bottled waters. We arrived Hayes State Park.

Tetsu, resting on the road side.		Entering Michigan.

Ike

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It seems we are getting used to the heat. By the way we are having very long days; the time of the sunset is late and at 9pm, it is difficult for us to recognize it is still 9. The campground is in Angola.

Ike

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The second day was also very hot from the morning. The support car leaves a campground 2 hours after bicycles leave. And going to supermarket and etc. We are learning the rhythm. We arrived in Bluffton, Indiana.

Ike

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This day was the hottest day in Indianapolis in this year, but we were headed for Canada.
First of all we had Monon Trail. The day's distance is about 60km.

Ike

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Our support car will pull a trailer and we sleep in it. We will have better team work.

Ike

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We went back to Indiana where we finished a campaign with motorcycle. And we prepared ourselves for campaign with bicycles.

Ike

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We had a chance to ride bicycle with bicycle track race national champion. He kindly guided us in downtown of Luisville and its around.

Ike

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We visited University of Louisville hospital with Dr. Watanabe as a navigator. He learnt there and was taught by Dr. Seligson long ago who we met today.

Ike

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We finished a part of campaign using motorcycle, in Indianapolis. From now on, we are campaigning with bicycles, traveling to Quebec, Canada or further.
And, yesterday we had new members from Japan. Dr. Watanabe (Orthopedic at Teikyo University, Japan) and Tanaka (called Tetsu), and the team is now highly motivated for the campaign.

Ike

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▼To the first report

From Effingham, Illinoi, we were headed for Indianapolis. At the city, we get off the scooter (Yamaha / Majesty) that we have ridden all the way from Ushuaia (Argentine), the southernmost city in the worldand and switch the transportation to electro-hybrid bicycles towards Quebec and further to Baie-comeau as well. Our new members who will ride bicycles have just joined us.

Ike

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▼To the first report

Afer leaving Little Rock this morning, we kept moving, through Missouri and arrived in Effingum, Illinoi.

Ike

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▼To the first report

Today we went North in Texas. As temperature rose toward the hottest time of the day, we took route 59 that stretches from Houston to Arkansus.
At the restaurant at Tehana where we had lunch, the staff there had interest in us and we were very welcomed.
After the lunch we entered to Arkansus and arrived in the city, Little Rock.

Ike

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▼To the first report

This 4th campaign which we did our activity in South America and Cuba through May to June, now moves its stage to North America.
First of all you have to have means of transportation. After we finished South America, we asked an agent in Quito (Ecuador) to ship our motorcycle to Houston. But, we didn't get it until the day of the start, today, which have been making us nervous until this morning.
Also in North Ameirca, we will communicate with locals and visit some hospitals and share better understanding of what we do.
From some point of USA, we are planning to ride bicycles all the way to Canada, and Norway and Sweden. We can report something differnt from ones in South America.

Ike

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We had an appointment at 10am with Ms. Aleida Guevarra, a daughter of Che Guevarra. Where we meet is her house where his father actually lived 40 years ago. As I arrived in front of the house, I felt as if he were coming outof the house, just to out.
“Welcome to Cuba from a country far away from here,” said and welcomed us with a smile was Ms. Aleida. It made me relaxed.
As a doctor espacially for children, her aim is to open a beautiful hospital with many drawings made by children and it should have about 450 beds which can be proud of its number in the world.
Population of Cuba is 11,500,000. She said, "what the most important thing in Cuba is, Children. To protect them is to protect our future."

Kazama

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▼To the first report

On 29th, we visited Escuela Latinoamericana De Medicina and talked with the principal.
The school was opened with the suggestion of chairman Castro in 1998. Now students from many countries around Cuba attend to the school and it surely supports fundation for dispatching medical units overseas. As I hear facts and stories from the principal, I was astonished with the thoroughness of its medical development.

Kazama

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▼To the first report

Cuba has a higher level of medical system with the nation willingly involved. How is it constructed and mainteined? Totoday I could visit two medical institutions and meet with the doctors.
One of them is Internacional Frank Pais. And the chief doctor is Dr. Cambras. He seemed busy because many people are around his desk. But, he gave us more thatn an hour to discuss. I was glad , when he said to me to come to his hospital for cure.

Kazama

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▼To the first report

In the morning, we went to the government press center and registored ourselves as reporters, and headed for the central of Havana city.

Kazama

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▼To the first report

After a photographer, Zen, and I arrived in Cuba, Dr. Takenaka from Japan also arrived and joined us. I heard from Zen who has come to Cuba 25 times for 40 years that the immigration at the airport in Cuba is very careful so he gets a little nervous every time. But, probably because we had visa for medical reporting so that the immigration didn't take us long.

Kazama

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▼To the first report

After Milagro, again in rain, we kept going in mountain roads. Obviously elevation was getting higher as we got closer to Quito which we set our goal in South America. (Colombia is not included because of the social conditions.) On the mountain road we encountered a big traffic jam due to a truck accident. We finally made ourselves arrive in Quito which is located 2,800m above sea level.
This campaign is now for a break and we start again in Cuba from 26th June. There, we also visit hospitals and meet people related to medical care. Please don't miss it.

Ike

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▼To the first report

After 30 minutes from Tumbes, a northern city in Peru, we finally entered Ecuador which we set our goal in South America. As soon as we entered we found ourselves in a road middle of banana trees. In the mid day we had rain but arrived in Milagro with no accident.

Ike

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▼To the first report

The day's destination is Tumbes which is the final place to stay in Peru. And today we had to say goodby to Hugo and his father Willey who drove our support car all the way from Arica, Chile. We had 10 days together. The campaign members very appreciate them; they have been taking good care of our photographer who shoots in the support car and they have also been very careful with our security from theft, and etc. We had a difficulty communicating because of language difference, but had wonderful times. The members all hope to be in their car again.

Ike

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▼To the first report

After Trujillo we were headed for Piura, about 450km north. Right after the departure we found a hospital. As we took a closer look, we knew it was found 1551. It is 469 years ago and the hospital is the oldest in Peru. In the middle of the day, temperature rose up to 31 degrees. As we lose our energy slowly we arrived in Piura with 300,000 population.

Ike

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▼To the first report

We left Lima where we stayed 5 days to visit hospitals and doctors, and went north again. In Lima we had cloudy days, but as soon as we got out of Lima, we had sunshine and higher temperature. Today we ran about 580km and arrived in Trujillo.

Ike

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▼To the first report

In the last day in Lima, we had a chance to visit the only national institution in Peru, Instituto Nacional De Salud Del Nito. It was 9am and we saw a lot of children with their mothers in front of the hospital.

First of all, we met Dr. Roberto L. Shimabuku Azato, the chief of the hospital. After hearing from him the introduction of the hospital and we were headed for the trauma section. Dr. Miguel Angel Aguilar is the leader in the section. I could see him smiling and talking to children while he guided us.

The chief in the hospital is Dr. Roberto Shimabuku.		A girl taking a class in hospital is 13 years old and broke her left leg.

She is a friendly doctor in trauma.		The hospital produces skin and bone for grafting and they showed us the section.
The cover shot of the hospital and Dr. Julio, who guided us for two days, and the secretary of the chief.

Kazama

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▼To the first report

Today I had again a discussion with three doctors who are about to found an emergency medical network NGO called “DOLOR DE ESPALDA”; Ibert Walter (specialist in cancer), Dr. Luis Sialer (specialist in cancer) and Isidro Kagami Fujimori. They were point out problems; there was no hospital to take care patients in Pisco / Chincha, 250km south of Lima, when an earthquake attacked the town in 2007 and etc. They are building the network of the doctors who improves the medical situation in Peru. I hope their contribution to make it better.

The representative of the NGO, Dr. Ibert.		Dr. Luis.

Isidro Kagami had a surgery of Dr. Ibert. In the relation, he now cooperates to found the NGO.		The group photo in front of the hotel we had a discussion. Right is a translator Mr. Ohue.

Visiting an only rehabilitation center in Peru.

While we are in Lima, we could visit a rehabilitation center, Instituto Nacional De Rehabilitacion “Dra Adriana Riebaza Flores” with a kind introduction from the doctor I had a discussion with the other day.

A woman testing a newly made artificial leg.		A staff says, “It is not good to walk like you do” to me and made me a spacer (about a 2cm-thick sponge) and checked if it fits to my injured left leg.

In the end of the visiting, with the sash. “Muchas gracias!”

Kazama

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▼To the first report

Speaking about the trauma situation in Peru is Dr. Julio Segura.

The Majesty with 7,000km in this campaign, Dr. Julio and his daughter.

There are 94 countries participating the Bone and Joint Decade world campaign. Within the 94, South American countries are Brazil and Argentine. Peru we visited in our campaign is not one of the 94, but there are doctors who cooperate the world campaign and contributing to achieving its aims.

Dr. Julio Segura (Lima, orthopedic surgeon / trauma doctor) is one of the opinion leaders in Peru who frontiers many medical issues related to musculoskeletal desorders in Peru. He gave me time from his busy schedule to have a discussion about trauma issues in Peru.

He thinks there are many problems to solve in awareness and actions of the nation and citizens. He explains the actual situation in Peru is far behind the high levels as the many countrysides don't have clinic and there are many people who can't have a single cure or treatment.

There is a long way to be able to realize better medical situation, but I knew his passion for the goal in the discussion.

Kazama

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▼To the first report

We met a group of children with their teachers.

A woman working at a restaurant in Pisco where we saw the ocean in a few days.

Where we were headed for at 8 am was the Maria Reiche Musium. She was an archaelogist who devoted her life to analyzing and preserving the Nazca lines.
After the musium, our destination was a 9 million city, Lima. Since we entered Peru, We have been to Arequipa, a city 2,800m above the sea level, and Nazca with a vast field aruond. Today we had a road by the ocean that we saw on our right until we arrived in Lima.

Next?

▼To the first report

In the square of Nazca, football girls with lots of energies.

Buying bananas to energize.

Today we didn't go north and stayed in Nazca, well know city for the Nazca lines. Kazama took time for his writing and the members organizing the equipment or tools for our campaign. In the afternoon we had a time to see the Nazca lines from cessna, which was a small break for all the members.

Next?

▼To the first report

A man working at a restaurant we had lunch.

In the morning, starting from the second largest city, Arequipa.

After Arequipa which is located 2,800m above the sea level, we were headed for Nazca, well know city for the Nazca lines. Even though some members had a little altitude sickness, the road, Pan American high way, let us to the oceam in about an hour.

Next?

▼To the first report

The new support is just in front of us, but the time for the registration kept us stay. Having a brief meeting.

A little rest after the dinner.

From the morning we had a guest t onegociate about the renting a car to cross the border to Chile and to use in all Peru. Withing the morning we could have the support car with a driver and got ourselves ready for afternoon departure while the driver went to a registration office for crossing border with tourists. But, we unfortunatelly hear from the driver, Hugo, "The registrtion takes time and we can leave tomorrow morning." Thank you for Hugo; we still can go north with only one day stay in Arica.

Ike

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Before the departure at the hotel we stayed 2 nights.

Of course we need to pay a lot of attentions to driving. Amazing scenery continued for a while.

The caravan that left Iquique went to run inland. At times we ran on a road that stretches between small mountains and we also ran on the mountains. Iquique is a city just by the ocean but right after we start we elevated about 1,300m above the sea level.
We arrived in Arica, the Cilean northernmost city, which is also located by the sea.

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No matter what kind of weather we had, Kazama has been riding on the Majesty.

In a scene from the support car. Voices from GPS, Shutter sounds from camera, typing sounds from PC echoes in the car.

This was the first non-running day since the start of the campaign from Ushuaia. But, what we did was preparation for further campaign.
This is a good chance to introduce the support members of the campagin.
First of all, the driver of the support car is a French man, Thierry Reverchon (66, right). He has participated in the Paris-Dakar Rally 14 times and has designed the route when he was not in the rally. The photographer is Toshimitsu Sato (55, center). He has been reporting and shooting the Motocross World Championships for 26 years. This Trans World camain has a lot of thanks to him; he has been shooting and filming since the 2nd, Trans Africa. In the end, the manager of the campaign is me, Tomomi Ikemura (31, left)

Ike

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On the pan american highway, route 1, with another motorcycle rider. It may be seen often among the motorcycle riders who enjoys riding in beautiful scenery.

Kazama, looking at Pacific ocean.

The road we took lead us to inland after we left Antofagasta, a city nearby the ocean. And later we had a road where we can see, the pan american highway. The road between the Pacific ocean on our left and mountains or hills on our right was what we ran for a long time. There is a desert area around Iquique where we arrived the day.

Ike

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At a shop in a gas station.

The day's distance was over 700km.

We entered into the latter half of Chile which stretches long north and south. After Vallenar we took again the route 5 to go north. We were inland and again the route by the sea. And, we arrived a city, Antofagasta. As we entered the city we could see a football staduim. In this campaign it is the second population city (about 300,000) after Santiago.

Ike

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When a conversation begins with "Holla!" we distribute the campaign flyers and budges.

To have other encounters, we are on the way to Vallenar.

After Santiago was a town Los Villos where you can see Pacific ocean. And this morning, we left Los Villos, took the route 5, ran north. At the parking area on the route 5, we met a few truck drivers who were interested in our Majesty.
The day's destination is Vallenar.

Ike

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Dr. Roberto Negrin and the staff in the public relation division who arranged this opportunity.

Kazama being interviewed by the hospital.

Before we left Santiago, we had a visit to Clinica Las Condes, the one of the best hospitals not only in Chile, but also in South America, with their medical systems and equipment. When we entered in the hospital, we were welcomed, thank you very much to thier hospitality. In the main building is a very energetic atomosphere, which makes both patients and non patients relaxed with some cafeterias and gardens.
What we did first of all was being interviewed by the hospital public relationship division. We had a good opportunity; our campaign will be broadcasted in the hospital channel in Clinica Las Condes.
After the interview, we were guided to the building for trauma and to the gym. They told us all the patients and people who work at the hospital can use it and work out. "93% of Chilean people don't work out to maintain healthier body condition," says a trauma orthologist, Dr. Roberto Negrin.
In Clinica Las Condes, there are a emergency helicopter (the only one in Chile), approx 500 beds for patients, 600 doctors and more than 3,000 nurses to support the patietns.

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Majesty that ran over 4,000km in this campaign was maintenanced.

After the maintenance, the staff took time from their busy schedule for the group photo.

Since the start of the campaign, we have kept moving day by day. But, we had a preparation day in Santiago. The Majesty had a maintenance at a Yamaha Motor motorcycle shop where Kazama met the president again in about 20 years since he challenged to climb Aconcagua with motorcycle.
We also arranged a new support car.

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At a gas station before we reached Santiago.

Since the start of our campaign, Santiago is the biggest city we have ever entered.

After Chillan, our destination was the Chilean capital, Santiago. As we got closer to the city, amount of trafic got bigger and bigger. We were in Patagonia where we saw only a few vehicles on the roads only a few days ago, but we are already in city, a total different environment. At the gas station on the way to Santiago, Kazama and the Majesty got many attentions as usual. And, the workers there came to Kazama one by one as they finished servising their customers like us. What we finally did was the group photo shooting.

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On the neck of the woman is the sash which was passed through Trans Japan with over 100 disabled in the previous campaign held in Japan from Feburary to April.

Kazama on the Chilean expressway. There are pedestrians crossing the road and people who ride bicycles.

Loncoche where we arrived in heavy fog the last night was still covered by heavy fog in the morning. How heavy it is is that you can't see 50m ahead. In the conversation with the one of the staff after the breakfast, we came to know she has some trauma; she can't completely bent some of her fingers and knee. She gave us an yell, "Good luck with the rest of your campaign!"
We were again on the route 5 to north. Tonight we arrived in Chillan. About 400km south of the Chilean capital, Santiago.

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Over the lake, Kazama is looking at Bariloche he has just left.

A photo with the staff at Chile border.

The caravan was headed to Chile after San Carlos De Bariloche. At the border to Chile, the friendly staff were interested in Kazama with the Majesty. I gave them the flyer written in Spanish. I can't explain in speaking to them. The flyer is the strong and useful tool to have the understanding.

Ike

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Kazama putting the budge on her cloth.

Just arrived in a hotel in San Carlos De Bariloche. Argentine national team soccer player in the future?

After Equel is San Carlos De Bariloche with a lake along to the town. During on mountain roads to Bariloche, we found a small restaurant that stands on lonely road and stopped for lunch.A family is running the restaurant and the two small girls were playing in the kitchen and hall. Then Kazama put a Bone and Joint Decade budge to their cloth. We are getting to know many local people day by day through the campaign. The distance the caravan traveled reached approx. 2,000km, with the impression that we had communications with people not only in bigger cities or towns, but also invery small villages in Argentine.

Ike

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Motorcycles riders get along quickly. In the middle of nowhere, it is undeniable.

A boy gazing at the majesty he has probably never seen.

The temperature in the morning was minus 10 degrees, which is the coldest since we started the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, 5 days ago.
On the way north on the route 40, we met 2 motorcycle riders who came from the opposite direction of the road in the vast field. We had a lttle chat and photo shooting.
The day's driving distance is about 500km. We arrived in Perito Moreno.

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Kazama with friendly hotel staff in El Calafate, talking about our campaign.

At a gas stand, with local customers.

Also today we departed before sunrise, 8:30 from El Calafate. We made a over 600km-travel to north and arrived in a small town, Perito Moreno. This is the name of the glaciar we visited yesterday, as well as the name of the town.
More than a half of the distance we had today was gravel which makes a long touring tiring, but the 250cc scooter and Kazama made thier way with no problems.

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We left 8:30 from Esperanza, a small village with 150 people living in.

Kazama, having a light meal in the visit to Perito Moreno glaicier.

8:30 was the time we left Esperanza. At the time the morning had not come and it was still dark around. We were headed to El Calafate. While on the road, we encountered the beautiful scenery of Andes mountains on our left, and arrived the town before noon.
There is the well known glaicer called Perito Moreno, 50km far from El calafate. We had a little rest with the visit to the glaicier.

Ike

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Running in a strong Patagonian wind.

The hotel in Esperanza (Hotel Esperanza) kindly allowed us to keep the Majesty under the roof.

After leaving Punta Arenas, we ran the road along the strait of Magallanes. Unfortunatelly we had a rainy weather, but I heard that you have a few kinds of weathers within a day in Patagonia. As it is told, we had sunshine back. Argentine was the country to enter for us again. Since this campaign started, it has been almost our routine to see the horizon. Our sight had nothing to be interrupted, so we could figure out where it was raining or sunny at a look.
We were a little nervous when snow started to fall while on a 400 highland, but we could get out of the weather and made our stay in Esperanza, a small village with about 150 population.

Ike

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Friendly truck drivers and Kazama.

The unpaved road continued for a long time.

After we left Rio Grande, we continued to go on the route 3, and entered in Chile. Then we took a ferry to cross the strait of Magallanes and arrived in Punta Arenas.
While we were waiting the ferry, friendly truck drivers talked to Kazama with Majesty. It seems one of them is motorcycle rider like Kazama. The driver showed us his wounds due to motorcycle accidents and showed also the pictures of his motorcycles put in his truck. They were very cheerful.

Ike

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Kazama, running in the middle of vast field just after we left Ushuaia.

Guanaco, often found in Patagonia.

In the morning we spent preparing for the start and in the afternoon we finally started Ushuaia!
We first had the Argentine national route 3 to go north. On the way, we found road surface is covered with thin ice because of low temperature in winding roads in the mountains. But without troubles we reached our destination, Rio Grande, a small town.
Concerning unreadable weathers and road conditions, we basically have no hotel reservations in South America. So, what we do as soon as arriving in the destination is to look for a hotel of the day. Many local people looked at us who wear winter jackets with a lot of logos. In the search for a hotel, we asked prices and services visiting hotels by foot.

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Kazama had a photo shooting with his Majesty in Ushuaia. He met some local ladies.

In the morning, from the window in the hotel.

Unfortunately we knew 10 o'clock in the morning that the support car can't be ready for at least a week. It was very difficult to hide our disappointments, but we put it behind quickly and started to build a new plan. There is a tourist information office near our hotel, so that we visited there for discussions many times and had them to make phone calls, and also we went to places they taught us to go.
Tomorrow we will finally start the campaign from Ushuaia.

Ike

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Kazama putting a Bone and Joint Decade sticker to his Majesty.

Even though our support car had a technical problem on the way to the place where we would have a memorial photo shooting, we managed to have a chance for photo shooting at a place nearby.

We put stickers on our Majesty and support car today. Also we had a little maintenance on a trailer that will be pulled by the support car to put some of our luggage. After the things were done, we went to out with the scooter and support car to have a memorial photo shooting. But as soon as we got out of the hotel....the support car couldn't have enough speed and ran very slow. Probably it is the problem in electric systems and we had a car dealer come pick it up. We will know if we can start Ushuaia tomorrow or we spend a few days in Ushuaia waiting the car to be fixed.

Ike

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We still have been staying in hotels with WIFI, so we never used the Inmarsat. But, after we start from Ushuaia we will use very often especially while we are in South America.

Once the campaign starts, first of all the caravan will go up north in the middle of Patagonia wilderness. We know that there are hotels even in such wilderness where we can't access to internet. But we have Inmarsat data communication system using satellites. With the device we can deliver daily reports.

Ike

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From inside the bus. The sunlight that has just come up in the morning and that is not shut out by anything makes the shade of the bus very long in its height.

I showed the flyer that explains this campain at the hotel front. He was surprised "Are you traversing the Americas!? Well, good luck with it!"

In the morning of the third day in the overnight bus, we arrived in Rio Gallegos located 500km north of Ushuaia, and we finally got off the bus. Kazama joined in our members with the support car. They would leave for Ushuaia after maintenancing the Majesty that would have to go through customs in borders of Argentine ? Chile and Chile -Argentine.
With a lot of luggage related to this campaign, I was headed to Ushiaia earlier than them, again in bus.
At baggage inspaction in Argentine ? Chiliean border, I was shown the X-ray monitor and asked to open my baggage to show something they scpecially noticed. Those were actually a lot of Bone and Joint Decade pin badges and nutritional suppliments we will take while on the road. Then I showed them a flyer that explains this campaign in Spanish and I was done with the inspection. The time I arrived in Ushuaia was 19:00pm. There were still many vehicles running and shops open in the world's southernmost city.

Ike

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After the first night, we arrived in San Antonio Oeste.

In the morning of 17th which is the first morning we had in the overnight bus, I thought "24 hours more in this bus..." with a sigh.
Well, the fact the we have 24 hours more is actually very reasonable. Argentine stretches approx. 3,800km north to south and it's land is 8th largest in the world.
It is said that people long time ago made a 50,000km journey to the southern tip of South America. Being on bus and just looking outside of window, I am amazed how far they traveled with their foot.

Ike

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The seat is more relaxing compared to that of economy class on airplane. But, remaining in a fixed posture for extended period of time is still tough.

We can't miss chances to move our body when the bus stops at terminals.

Our preparation for the start is going forward steadily.
Kazama and Ike got on a overnight bus to go down to Ushuaia while the support car and a 250cc scooter, Majesty, are already on the way for Ushuaia. The time we will spend in the overnight bus is 2nights and 3 days!
Even though the seat is big enough to relax, we can't miss chances to move our bodies when it stops at terminals. As we are getting far from Buenos Aires, we came to see more wilderness.

Ike

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We can access to internet at the lobby of the hotel, but sometimes it is disconnected.

Kazama, headed to his hotel, is walking on Mayo street, one of the major streets in Buenos Aires.

Hello, this is Ike, a coordinator of the 4th campaign, The Americas and Scandinavia 20,000km crossing caravan.

We have just finished the campaign in Japan which over 100 disabled relayed 2,300km from South to North with wheelchair or bicycle. And, now we are in Buenos Aires, Argentine, to do the 4th campaign that goes through 10 countries in the Americas and North Europe. Our goal this time is Lund, Sweden, where the Bone and Joint Decade Global Network Conference will be held in September.

Today is the second day after we flew to Argentine. Time flies. We had some desk work and went out to get small things we need for the campagin.

Tomorrow, we will get on a bus to go down to Ushuaia, 3,500km south from here. It will take 2 full days.

Ike

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